Hey everyone 👋, geopolitics 101 coming at you! On Monday, December 22, 2025, Denmark dropped a bombshell by summoning the US ambassador to Copenhagen after President Donald Trump named Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland. Landry immediately vowed to make the self-governed island "a part of the US" — and Denmark was not happy.
Since reclaiming the White House in January 2025, Trump has been vocal about Arctic power plays, arguing that Greenland’s strategic location and rich resources are key to US security. He even hinted that force wasn’t off the table to protect America’s interests. Wild, right?
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said the move was "deeply angering" and a direct challenge to Denmark’s sovereignty — the right to make its own decisions. He told TV2 that Copenhagen is demanding a full explanation from Washington "in the coming days."
Greenland’s prime minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen teamed up with Denmark’s PM, Mette Frederiksen, in a joint statement: "You can’t annex another territory, even for security reasons. We expect respect for our borders." Meanwhile, Nielsen reassured Greenlanders that "Greenland belongs to Greenlanders" and that the appointment doesn’t change anything on the ground.
The European Commission also weighed in, backing Denmark and stressing that preserving territorial integrity is essential for the EU. 🌍✊
Why all the fuss? Greenland sits smack between North America and Europe, opening up new shipping lanes as ice melts, and it’s a hotspot for rare earth minerals. Plus, it’s on the shortest path for missiles between Russia and the US. No wonder global powers are eyeing it!
The US already has a major military base at Pituffik in northern Greenland and opened a consulate there in June 2020. In August, Denmark even summoned the US charge d’affaires over suspected meddling in Greenland’s internal debates.
Bottom line: This diplomatic showdown highlights how small regions can become arenas for big power rivalries. For South and Southeast Asia’s fast-moving crowd, it’s a reminder that geopolitics isn’t just headlines — it affects global trade routes, security, and the future of our planet. Stay curious and keep an eye on the Arctic! ❄️🔍
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
